Record of Wrongs
It is very easy to “make a list” of those things that someone has done to us that have hurt us. It gives us a reason to not have to like or love that person.
But, that is not God’s way. He calls us to forgive. He doesn’t make us call a wrong thing right, or act like it didn’t hurt…but He says we are to forgive.
If you have a “list,” will you join me in tearing it up and throwing it away? Even if it is not a physical list, ask the Lord to help you remove the “record of wrongs” from your thoughts.
Lord, may we bless those who have wronged us. May we love like You love!
Live a Life Worthy of Your Calling
I don’t know about you, but I can’t say that I always follow this exhortation from Paul in my life. I WANT to live a life worthy of the calling I have received. I WANT to be completely humble and gentle. I WANT to be patient toward others…especially toward others who may try my patience. And I WANT to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
I would say that most of us desire that kind of life. But, if you are like me, as soon as difficult circumstances arise… I find it difficult to get myself out of the way and live the life I am called to live.
I start to focus on everything I lack. I focus on my weaknesses. I judge my words and my actions and I come up short. Very short. It is during these times that I press into the Lord and open myself to receive what He so lovingly offers to us.
He gives us His strength for our weakness. He takes away our lack and gives us everything we need to go forward into our calling. He lifts us up when we fall and sets our feet on the right path. He walks beside us in our journey and is there with us in everything we face. Thank You, Lord!!
So! With the Lord’s help, I will continue to press into living a life worthy of the calling I have received. Will you join me?
Stir Up One Another
I know that in life and in our churches there can be a lot of “stirring up” that happens.
Sometimes this stirring is needed to bring things that have settled to the bottom back up to the top. And anything that needs to be scooped off the top as it surfaces can be dealt with.
Sometimes the stirring can be positive and sometimes the stirring can be negative. And sometimes it may seem to be negative at the beginning…but have positive results.
Hebrews tells us that our stirring should result in love and good works. We need to encourage one another – stir each other up – to love more abundantly and to serve others in greater works of goodness.
Lord, begin with me! Stir me up to love and good works!!
